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I am an Excedrin® Extra Strength brand ambassador. I’ve been compensated for my work and all opinions are my own.
After a month of recuperating from the busy Fall season, I can feel the rush of the holidays already beginning. Shopping, cleaning, cooking, baking… While each of these things in and of themselves can be enjoyable, they can also cause stress which for me can triggers headaches.
As you’re aware, I’ve been working all year with Excedrin to share tips for preventing and managing headaches. Since this is the time of year when we often forget to take care of ourselves, I have some tips for avoiding headaches during the holidays from Dr. Keri Peterson:
- Stick to a regular routine: When I get busy, the first thing I tend to omit is exercise. However, our bodies function best when we eat, sleep, and exercise regularly so make time to work these important healthy habits into your regular routine.
- Manage your time and plan ahead: I confess that I have last minute-itis. Too often I strive to fit in more than is realistic in a very short time frame. Dr. Peterson recommends coordinating responsibilities in advance with friends and family members. Having a set menu for a pre-arranged get together and shopping for gifts early can help avoid the last-minute rush and resulting stress.
- Stay in well ventilated spaces: Interestingly enough, smells and scents trigger headaches for some people. This is important when shopping at stores inside the mall where perfumes and scented candles are sold.
- Use care and moderation with food and drink: This season is always characterized by delicious food, often in abundance. Try to exert self-control and avoid overconsumption of sweets or alcoholic beverages which can trigger headaches.
- Be prepared to manage a headache: Whether you’re traveling across the country to see family or simply driving up the road for a gathering with friends, be sure to carry headache relief with you such as Excedrin Extra Strength.
This season, Excedrin invites you to “Take a Holiday from Headaches”! Through January 1st, you can visit their Facebook page to enter their sweepstakes with a chance to win daily prizes and the grand prize of $25,000. To enter, simply like the Facebook page and complete the short form to be eligible to win. Complete rules can be viewed here.
Win It! One of you will win a $100 American Express Gift Card. Simply visit Excedrin on Facebook, leave a comment with one way you manage holiday stress, and complete the Rafflecopter form. Comments will close on December 7th, 2013 at 11:59 PM PST.
US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.
Images: Excedrin
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Avoid people that give you stress.
Don’t over schedule.
Take a long hot bubble bath and just relax.
I manage holiday stress by not waiting until the last minute to shop or wrap presents. I pace myself so I don’t feel overwhelmed.
I posted this on Excedrin’s Facebook wall also:
I manage daily stress by praying and spending time away from electronics!
Ask for help whenever necessary especially in meal preparation during holidays and not try to please everyone.
i ask for help and try to relax as much as i can
I prevent stress by shopping for gifts early and by taking time to relax
I do a lot of shopping and prep ahead of time so I can relax once the holidays roll around.
I try to get as much done ahead of time as possible!
The best way for me to avoid holiday stress is to be super organized. I keep lists of spreadsheets for everything… Thanks for the chance to win!
mrsmchappell at gmail dot com
I manage holiday stress by having everyone bring their favorite dessert so I don’t have to worry about it after preparing dinner.
taking walks when i can
follow via email: jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
I try and get plenty of sleep. Sleep makes everything better 🙂
I do a lot of shopping ahead of time.
I exercise every morning for stress relief.
I try to buy gifts before the holidays so I can truly enjoy being with friends and family and enjoying the season.
I try to plan ahead and keep a schedule and always put time aside to read a book or just breath
I play Christmas music and bake cookies for my family. It gets me in the spirit.
I really try to plan ahead and buy all of my ingredients for my holiday food early!
I listen to Christmas music.
I plan ahead and stick to a budget.
I try to plan ahead and not put off things until the last minute.
i try to drink hot tea and relax when i can
I try to plan ahead, finish Christmas shopping early, and make a good to-do list. It never hurts to take some time for yourself too. Take a bath, read a book, watch a show. Relax! 🙂
I try to unwind by getting online or settling down with a book.
i try to realize that my kids will be happy with a couple good gifts and time with their dad rather than just spending a ton of money we don’t have to buy just to buy
I work retail so I have stress all season long, mine is work related not so much personal stress seeing my family lives 1200 miles away in Chicago!!! I try to relieve work stress by going to they gym and pumping up on those endorphins even though im exhausted after work and work 6 days and LONG days at that, I always go to the gym
Take a few moments to meditate in quiet – (and red wine). Really, has to do more with planning, making a list and sticking to a budget.
I ask for help and not should er everything
My husband helps manage my stress…he knows I get anxious very easily and is always there to ease it in anyway
I stay home and avoid the crowds as much as possible!
I have learned to Delegate!!
Make a list of what I need to buy before hand.
Listening to the Arctic Monkeys and watching tv or a good movie always works well.
One way I manage stress is to be alone when it starts to get to be too much. I go to my room and get some cuddle time in with my cat (who prefers to be alone when the house is full.) It gives both of us a little lift.
One way I manage stress is to stay home on Black Friday and shop online.
CUT DOWN ON GIFT GIVING LIST
Make to do lists
Sleep.
I manage by making a gift list and asking my husband and son to help around the house in order to get things ready for the holidays.
why would there be stress around the holidays
I avoid it the best I can!
I try to shop slowly and deliberately — with pleasure — and I make sure to take a break and treat myself to a nice gingerbread latte!
Watching all the wonderful holiday movies.
I try to shop online because it’s less stressful.
Listening to holiday music, focusing on the meaning of Christmas, and shopping online.
I shop online
I manage stress during the Holiday season by making sure to plan ahead in advance. I make sure to buy gifts during the year, so I do not have to shop all in one month. This really saves me from getting a Headache!
Don’t shop in stores! All online
I try to start prepping early to avoid the last minute rush.
Maintain daily exercise. Keep the reason of the season in focus.
I use the KISS system. Keep It Simple Stupid.
Take some quiet time to myself
i shop ahead of time
kport207 at gmail dot com
I listen to music
massages
I enjoy a few glasses of wine. Relaxes my nerves and mellows out any stress. IF that doesn’t work , an Excedrin and a nap should do the trick!
i shop on line as much as i can
I manage stress by shopping online just a little bit at a time. I make sure to get meal items for holiday dinners early as well.
I keep the holiday simple. It’s all about good friends, a little wine, and the wonderful holiday music.
I try to do my shopping and wrapping early.
Thank you!
I make lists. Lots and lots of lists.
I try to keep it simple.
I try to keep my stress at a low level by keeping away from negative people and saying positive affirmation to myself. Also by regular meditation.
i ask for help from my husband and kids.
I start shopping early and do most of it online so I can avoid crowds!
I try to get my shopping done early and avoid the stores/malls at busy times, such as weekends and evenings.
I try to get things done ahead of time and do online shopping.
I run when i start to get stressed if i can. It helps.
I try to reduce the stress, but prioritizing what needs to be done, and by making a weekly scheduele and making sure everyone is aware of the schedule.
One way I manage stress during the holidays is delegate, assign certain things to other family member so I don’t have to do all of it 🙂
Follow via email as pinktaz60(at)hotmail(dot)com 🙂
I manage my stress by taking time to have fun – I especially love spending time with my furbabies (five rescued Treeing Walker Coonhounds and three cats). I take them for walks and just spend time playing with the dogs in the yard and the cats in the house. It’s amazing how quickly they de-stress me.
A nap!
inalak at msn dot com
I try to manage the stress of the holidays by snuggling up on the couch w/my kindle at the end of the day
I don’t get stressed during the holidays, I just get things done as I get to them.
I keep a journal to write in, and I also keep a to do list handy and try to spread out the things I want to do so I am less stressed out.
Breathe in the light, blow out the darkness.
The darkness in this case could be stressors.
I don’t invite my sister law
Email subscriber : [email protected]
I make time to spend with friend that I love to balance the stress
by letting go of the things I cant change- like running late or a stain on a kids shirt breathe and enjoy the moments!
I ask for help if I need it instead of trying to tackle everything on my own!
Make sure to get plenty of exercise, I exercise daily…do plenty of yoga.
I just get what i can and not panic when i cant find anything
it seems like there’s never enough time to get everything done
Shop for small gifts and stocking stuffers as early as you can.
I try to work in a power nap on those incredibly busy days! Thanks for the great giveaway!
A lot of the burden still falls on my mom for Christmas, so i don’t have too much to stress about. I just try to help her out and get things done as early as possible
i make time to continue working out
I manage holiday stress by not taking on too much by myself and asking for help if I need it!
Going to the gym helps me start by morning out the right way! I also keep lists of everything that I possibly can during the Holidays
I try to stay away from situations that cause me stress and just enjoy the holiday.s
Get plenty of rest. Shop early. Don’t overspend. Be sure to take some “me’ time.
I try to get my shopping done EARLY…I try to wrap here and there, not all at once…and I try not to take on more than I can handle. I used to get super stressed out because I over-extended myself, was shopping on Christmas Eve…and then up all night WRAPPING! Talk about stress!
I avoid the crowds and traffic by shopping online as much as possible. I also to have some quite me time everyday to do some leisure reading or watch a show.
I don’t work myself to death doing too many things. Christmas cookies get started right before Thanksgiving. Tree is up at Thanksgiving and holiday shop throughout the year.
Buy less, use gift bags, don’t send Christmas cards, don’t bake buy ready made food.
Plan ahead, shop ahead, and shop online : )
i don’t do anything
I try to get 8 hrs of sleep.
I try to plan my time so I’m not stressed doing everything all at once.
I go away for a girls weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas to help me destress.
I make lists and try and and get things checked off early
I make lists. Multilple lists! Just writing things down allows me to visualize and prioritize. And I make time for me!
Stay healthy and hydrated, no one needs to deal with cranky hangry people especially those family members who have to put up with the craziness of the holidays. Also make a game plan I use the term shop like a man (make a list, know what you want, go in get it get out, no time for extra browsing during the holidays)
Getting all of your shopping done early!! I have been done so no stressing here lol
I don’t really have any
I try to take a little bit of “me time” when I think things are getting chaotic.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com
Taking time alone for just me… read, play with my dog, but something just for myself.
Try to win gift cards and cash for more gift giving without affecting my budget!
I start getting gifts year round so I only have to get a few of the big things when everything is crazy at the store
I do most of my Christmas shopping online…avoiding the traffic and crowds!
To avoid stress, I like to take time to read a book. I also like to take a hot bath.
Do shopping before the stores get too crazy
I manage holiday stress by taking some time out just for me. Whether it’s to watch a movie, sleep, or just go to a coffee shop, it’s important to get some downtime during the Holidays.
With food
I try to plan ahead and get most of my shopping, etc. done early.
I plan ahead and try to get my shopping done as soon as I can, so I can ship gifts as inexpensively as possible
I relax and take time for myself. I also do most of my shopping online so that is less stressful right there!
Lots and lots of red wine.
My favorite way to manage holiday stress is to exercise and eat right. I’ve been feeling so good lately. I’ve lost about 50 pounds over the summer. I find that sitting down with a hot cappuccino and looking at facebook is another great way to relax.
Getting my shopping done early! Also reading a nice book helps me:)
try to relax as much as i can
sweet wine and a good tv show
Chamomile tea and planning ahead.
I manage the holiday stress by spreading out tasks over a period of time rather than wait till the last minute for everything.
Prioritizing and list making keep me sane – thank you.
I make time for myself everyday!
I try do things as early as I can so that I can relax as it gets closer.
Give each person a task to do making it a family event and at the same time, giving me less stress.
I set aside time to relax
have your husband help you with your holiday shopping…
I make lists to keep myself organized!
I try to get my shopping done very early. I also tend to buy Christmas presents during the whole year; that was I can catch sales and not be so stressed about shopping.
Relax, do a little shopping online, and avoid negativity
I do my shopping online.
By eating
I try to plan Christmas and write lots of lists to avoid being stressed.
Realx and take a nice bath.
I always take a nap, I insist on it!
I can’t find you on instagram, how about a link!
I go running. It makes me feel better and keeps off those hoiday pounds!
I try to avoid overscheduling and make sure we have some down time to enjoy the holiday!
Wine helps! 😉
i manage holiday stress by keeping things in perspective and focusing on what is really important
I try to prepare as much as possible and do little things every day when I can. It helps to buy presents throughout the year!
I like to listen to music.
I sneak to my room with a good book.
by planning ahead helps big time
By relaxing and watching a classic holiday movie with my son with a cup of hot chocolate! 🙂
chrismas music and a glass of whine lol
I plan ahead, trake my time making my choices, plan my holiday dinners ahead and cookn over several days so I don’t have to panic last muinute and everything flows smoothly.
I stay organized by making lists and always start to shop early.
When things get overwhelming, I remind myself to practice gratitude and remember that things could always be worse!
“I complained that I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet” – Persian Proverb
I take care of all of my Christmas shopping early 🙂
Once way I manage holiday stress is to take it all in stride!!
Hot quiet baths
I do my best to plan ahead for shopping,cooking, and traveling to avoid last-minute crises, take time outs to breathe and appreciate the moment, avoid crowded shopping malls and airports if I can, and focus on reaching out to friends and family rather than worrying about the perfect gift or party!
I do try to plan ahead of time, but I don’t do well during the holidays.
I manage stress by taking time out to have a cup of tee and do a little reading.
Plan ahead. I dislike shopping because big crowds stress me out. So I try to do most shopping online.
I say “no” sometimes. You don’t have to do everything.
I always have a bottle of wine in the fridge!
I take breaks, and enter contests!
I try to get all of my holiday shopping done a little bit at a time throughout the year so it’s not a mad dash close to the Holidays and I avoid the lines 🙂
I manage holiday stress by going to mass often!
getting what I can done ahead of time and then making sure I take me time a couple of times a day
I make lists , have a plan set out, and if I cannot accomplish everything i wanted to, i don’t let it bother me, i just do it the next day. and i keep excedrin in my bag at all times lol
shop early
I get help from my family.
Thanks for the chance.
[email protected]
Leave everyone at home and shop by myself
I always make sure i take time for myself, even if it’s only 20 minutes after i get home from work.
I try to plan ahead so i dont get bogged down with the craziness
I get a massage.
I try to do Online shopping. The crazies can stay at the malls!
Put things on layaway very early.
I try to get enough sleep and make lists
I do my Christmas shopping throughout the year so I have some time to relax and enjoy the holiday season.
Stay calm, stay focused, exercise, and drink some tea! 🙂
i try and make list for what i need to do. that way i don’t forget anything
I make a lot of lists and try to have most of my shopping done before Thanksgiving. Then I have time to bake, go to parties, get everything decorated, presents wrapped, etc.
I take long bubble baths 🙂
One way I manage stress is to listen to some calming and soothing music and try not to let things get to me.
Thanks for the giveaway! =)
I manage stress by starting early instead of waiting til the last second.
I try to delegate some of the things to others and take time to just relax!
I take a lot of long walks outside and cozy up with a blanket and a favorite book. During the holidays, I often remind myself to enjoy and savor small moments instead of trying to “get through” all of the busyness of the holidays.
I’ve cut back on presents and on my expectations for the holidays.
Is there really a way? Haha! The best I can do is make a list and check it twice!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
I try to make lists, lists, lists and follow them! I also have a “Christmas notebook” in which I list all the gifts I buy, when they arrive, and if they are wrapped. It has pockets for receipts too!
take time to slow down
Chocolate
One way I manage holiday stress is to just be in my room and lay down while watching some tv.
Hi. Have you chosen a winner yet? I’ve been checking the rafflecopter and just wondering if I should uncross my fingers and toes to win. 🙂